Toxic Megacolon

A toxic megacolon is rare, but life-threatening. It is a complication of severe colon disease or infection.

Toxic megacolon can be deadly because it puts you at risk for infection throughout the body, shock, and dehydration. Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate treatment.

Symptoms

These are signs and symptoms related to toxic megacolon:

Swelling of the belly

Pain in the belly

Fever

Rapid heart rate

Shock

Diarrhea

Risk factors

Toxic megacolon is a complication of these conditions:

Ulcerative colitis. This is an inflammatory bowel disease. It usually affects the colon and rectum.

Crohn’s disease. This is an inflammatory bowel disease. It can affect any part of the digestive tract.

Infections of the colon. These can be caused by C difficile. This is a germ that can lead to symptoms ranging from diarrhea to a possibly deadly colon inflammation. Other infections can also cause the problem.

Treatment

Treatment of toxic megacolon includes:

Medicines. Treating the original condition or infection may help reduce toxic megacolon. Anti-inflammatory medicines can help control inflammation. Antibiotics can help treat or prevent infection. Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines.

IV fluids. You may be given an IV of fluids and electrolytes to help nourish your body and prevent dehydration.

Surgery. If less invasive treatments don’t reduce the size of the toxic megacolon within 2 to 3 days, you may need surgery to remove part or all of the colon.

Your healthcare provider may have you stop taking certain medicines while you're being treated for toxic megacolon. Some medicines that can make the condition worse are opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, medicines to stop diarrhea, antidepressants, and anticholinergic medicines.

Complications

If untreated, a toxic megacolon can result in severe complications, such as:

Bleeding and blood loss

Whole-body infection (sepsis)

Abnormal hole in the colon (perforation)

Shock

Toxic megacolon can be deadly if not treated.

When to call the healthcare provider

Seek immediate medical help or have someone call 911 if you have severe stomach pain and these symptoms:

Frequent diarrhea

Bloody diarrhea

Swelling in your belly

Fever

Rapid heart rate

Signs of shock, such as a weak pulse, cool or clammy skin, dilated eyes, confusion, and rapid or shallow breathing